BACKGROUND

High blood cholesterol is not a disease in itself, but can contribute to many forms of illness, most notably cardiovascular disease.  Managing diet has long been known as an effective treatment for high cholesterol.

Niacin is considered to be the leading vitamin to assist in reducing harmful cholesterol levels and was the first nutrient acknowledged by the FDA to lower cholesterol levels. Even better, niacin is one of the best known substances for elevating "good" cholesterol and balancing out the cholesterol ratio. 

Orthomolecular studies have shown niacin lowers cholesterol by 22% and triglycerides by 52%.  There are no known substances other than niacin that have as dramatic an impact on both cholesterol and triglycerides.

ORTHOMOLECULAR APPROACH

An orthomolecular approach to lowering high blood cholesterol will focus on both diet and supplements.  A practitioner will likely prescribe a high-fiber, sugar-free diet in addition to niacin and potentially other supplements.

Orthomolecular treatment of high cholesterol could include the use of the following supplements:

Folic Acid 

Magnesium 

Vitamin B12 

Vitamin B2 Riboflavin 

Vitamin B3 Niacin 

Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine 

Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid 

Vitamin E 

* A customized program must be developed by an orthomolecular practitioner

REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Articles and Resources

Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, September 30, 2005. Niacin (Vitamin B3) Lowers High Cholesterol Safely.  http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v01n10.shtml 

Hoffer, Dr. Abram. "The Megavitamin Revolution." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 7.1 (1995)

Hoffer A and Saul AW. Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2008.

Kunin, Richard. "Principles That Identify Orthormolecular Medicine: A Unique Medical Specialty". Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 4 (1987)

Harnett, Cindy. "Victoria MD wins prize for theories on megavitamins" Times Colonist November 3, 2007

Murray, Michael T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.

Pauling, Linus. How to Live Longer and Feel Better. Corvallis: First Oregon State University Press, 2006.